J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 �

by Rabbi John Moscowitz

No one can argue with the vital role Holy Blossom Temple plays in the lives — religious, social and otherwise — of our members who

are 60 years or so and older. Indeed, that they have more discretionary time and fewer responsibilities — family, work and otherwise — means they are in our synagogue more often, and we must be available for them.

However, their (our) need to give and belong to our community is no less intense later in life than at any other stage. So it is not an accident that more of our members in their 60s and beyond come to shul in larger numbers than many younger people; likewise, they attend our lectures and classes with greater frequency than others. Therefore, we have various dedicated programs for our senior members, Mondays @ the Temple being the best example. Holy Blossom’s success as a religious com-munity is significantly determined by our ability to serve (and to be served by) these members of our congregation.

As our seniors require our attention, so too do the younger generations of our synagogue; not only for the present, but also for the future, ours and theirs. Let me then pick up the theme from last month. First, some statistics about our younger members, which we can-not ignore. The Leo Baeck Day School

at Holy Blossom Temple has grown into a strong and vibrant institution. The sound of hundreds of children filling our building, the dedication of their parents and the need by both for a more intense Judaism and community means that the relationship between Leo Baeck and Holy Blossom is more important than ever. As the Leo Baeck numbers continue to grow here — by now more than a third of our Religious School students are enrolled at Leo Baeck — shul and school make each other stronger. The relationship is and will be a foundation stone for both institutions for decades to come.

Now let me come to CHAT. Seven years ago, one Holy Blossom student was enrolled at CHAT; four years later, there was a handful. Today, at least 40 Holy Blossom Temple members receive their high school education at CHAT. This remarkable trend, together with the growing number of day school students at the elementary level, indicates that our future will be quite different from our past.

And let me say the obvious: we must ensure the integration of day school and CHAT students into Holy Blossom Temple life so that they can use their Jewish education to good advantage for themselves and for their synagogue.

Holy Blossom Temple BulletinJanuary 2008 | Tevet/Shevat 5768

Our future: part 2| In Perspective

continued on page 11

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Generation : My Story Jonathan GarfinkelSun. Jan 6, 2008, at 8 p.m.

Holy Blossom Temple’s outreach

program for 20 and 30 somethings

presents an evening with Jonathan

Garfinkel, celebrated poet, play-

wright and author of the recent

publication “Ambivalence,” which

looks at the Palestinian-Israeli

conflict and Jewish identity.

Cost $12. Dessert will be served.

For more details, please call the

My Story hotline (ext. 502), at the

Temple or e-mail generationaleph@

holyblossom.org.

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D a i ly S e R v i c e SMonday to Friday at 7.30 a.m. | ShacharitMonday to Thursday at 6 p.m. | Ma’arivSunday at 9 a.m. | Shacharit

S h a b b at S e R v i c e SFriday at 6 p.m. | Kabbalat ShabbatSaturday at 10.30 a.m. | Shabbat Morning and Family Shabbat

Shabbat Shira will be held on Sat. Jan. 19, 2008. (For more details on Shabbat Shira, see page 9.) Tot Shabbat will be held on Fri. Jan. 18 (Service) and Fri. Feb. 1, 2008 (Service and dinner). Shabbat Fusion (for 20 and 30 somethings) will be held on Fri. Jan. 25, 2008.

Worship In This Issue ... Daily/Shabbat Worship 2 |

Holy Blossom Temple Renewal 3 | Department

Chairs 3 | The Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman

Centre for Jewish Learning 4 | Pre-School 5 |

Temple Leadership 6 | Cantor’s Notes 9 |

Bikur Cholim 11 | Social Action Committee 12 |

Our Congregational Family 14 | The Last Word 16

The Bulletin is published 10 times a year by Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5P 3K9. Telephone: (416) 789-3291; Fax: (416) 789-9697; e-mail: templemail@holyblossom.org; Web site: www.holyblossom.org. Honorary President: John A. Geller; President: Barry Silver; Rabbis: John Moscowitz; Yael Splansky; Karen Thomashow; Edward Goldfarb; Cantor: Benjamin Z. Maissner; Cantorial Soloist: Lindi Rivers; Director of Education: Deborah K. Spiegel; Rabbi Emeritus: Dow Marmur; Senior Scholar: W. Gunther Plaut; Executive Director: Benjamin Applebaum; Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Chair: Marvin Tile; Director of Development: Cheryl Zeldin; Bulletin Editor: Judy Nyman; Design and Production: Holy Blossom Temple was founded in 1856 and is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism and the Canadian Council for Reform Judaism.

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 �

temple Renewal will strengthen our communitySo far, the Temple has raised more than $13 million — from less than 40 donor fami-lies out of our 2,000+ member families

— for the Renewal Project. These donors have stepped up and provided their sup-port well in advance of the completion of the detailed design process.

These noteworthy commitments attest to the importance of this project of Holy Blossom Temple in the fabric of our broader Jewish community.

No doubt our donors are excited about the new physical space, which they, their families and future genera-tions will enjoy. We will share a central community gathering area that draws us into our synagogue and encourages us to remain at the Temple and shmooze. We will have the chance to celebrate in a main floor social hall large enough for most gatherings, with a new kitchen, and a choice of the Sanctuary or the Family

Chapel in which to worship. There will be an attractive and functional new school for the Leo Baeck Day School, our Supplementary School and Pre-School, with a gymnasium, science lab, cafeteria, library and classrooms. We will enjoy a comfortable and refurbished Sanctu-ary, lower operating costs from the new facility, more green space, a warm and technologically advanced library, under-ground parking and more. Our Temple today is full of activity and is an excep-tional place in which to learn, to worship and to grow. In this new facility, we can only move from strength to strength.

But there is another reason why this project has generated so much support. The strength of our synagogue has much to do with the continuity and overall strength of the Jewish commu-nity, in Toronto and elsewhere. Holy Blossom is the largest and wealthiest of the Reform synagogues in Canada, and one of the largest in the Diaspora. We need to do this project and do it well

— not just for us, but to set an example for all other synagogues, which, sooner or later, will have to follow in our footsteps. When we are successful, we set an example for others — other synagogues, other members, other communities, other donors. That example will encourage others to do the same thing, thereby strengthening the Reform Movement — due to the importance of Reform Judaism in the Diaspora — and the Jewish community as a whole. This project matters to us, to other Jews, to the Jewish world. We of-fer thanks to the forward thinkers who have stepped up to date. And to the rest, it is time to think about stepping up as well, at whatever level you can stretch to afford. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — do not miss it.

The formal launch of the broader cam-paign will take place soon. In the interim, if you are interested in helping out with time, dollars or both, please contact our Campaign Office (ext. 231), at the Temple.

leading by example — Department chairsWe would like to thank Tom Ehrlich, out-going Chair, Department of Finance, and Tom Friedland, outgoing Chair, Depart-ment of Membership, who are stepping down, for dedicating so much of their time to the Temple. Tom Friedland will continue his work on the Board as our incoming Chair, Department of Administration.

D e pa R t M e N t c h a i R S 2 0 0 7 – 2 0 0 8Michael Davis, Finance, is an active member of the Membership Committee, Co-Chair of the Renewal Project Steering Committee and leader of a chavurah group.

Sarita Dotan, Worship, is a co-coordi-nator and a lay leader of daily Services, has been responsible for the care of ritual objects and has been an active member of the Israel Committee.

Joan Garson, Membership, has been very active in the Renewal Project, is a Past Chair of the Israel Committee and is President of ARZA Canada.

Tom Friedland, Administration, is Past Chair of Membership and Co-Chair of the Renewal Project Steering Committee.

Michelle Katz, Education, is a Past Chair of the Department of Admin-istration and works with Debbie Spiegel, the Director of Education, to ensure all of our students receive the best possible education.

Alison Schwartz, Jewish Living, is a member of the Renewal Project Capital Campaign Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.

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Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple

For details on all lectures and programs, please call the School office (ext. 256), at the Temple, or visit our Web site at www.holyblossom.org. All programs and lectures are open to the community, unless otherwise stated. For your convenience, our weekday daytime programs are marked with the following symbol: .

Ongoing learning and specialized classes

Shabbat Morning Torah StudyFrom Sinai to Soloveitchik — Why Ideas MatterRabbi John MoscowitzSaturdays at 9 a.m.

Adult B’nei Mitzvah Mondays at 7.30 p.m. For pre-registered participants only.

Advanced Hebrew Grammar Rabbi Edward Goldfarb

Tuesdays at 11 a.m.Open to Temple members only.

Sisterhood Torah Study: Studies in GenesisRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 9.30 a.m.

The Yiddish NovelRabbi Edward Goldfarb

Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

Beginners’ HebrewDalia Alalouf, Hebrew SupervisorWednesdays at 7.30 p.m. Classes resume Jan. 9, 2008. Registration required.

Brotherhood Study: Modern Jewish ThoughtRabbi Michael Stroh, Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Har ZionWednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Jan. 9 to Feb. 13, 2008 All Temple members welcome.

Chassidic Study Circle: Kabbalah of Our SoulRabbi Avraham Plotkin, Chabad Lubavitch, Markham

Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Jan. 15 to Feb. 5, 2008

Beyond the ChuppahRabbi Yael SplanskyDavid and Eileen Berger, Temple MembersThursdays at 8 p.m.Feb. 7 to Mar. 6, 2008 For engaged couples and newlyweds. To pre-register, please call Roseanne Mason (ext. 276), at the Temple.

Klezmer 101: Our Jewish Musical TraditionJordan Klapman, Pianist and Music Director, Teacher and LecturerTuesdays at 7.30 p.m.Feb. 12 to 26, 2008 Trace the historical roots and develop-ment of Klezmer, and learn about the rituals and musical repertoire of the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and dances, and about Klezmer’s great-est performers and innovators.

Jewish Renewal: The Revival of the Jewish SpiritRabbi Shalom Schachter, Rabbi, Beth Israel Synagogue, Peterborough Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m.Feb. 20 to Mar. 5, 2008 We look at the concept of Jewish renewal in a historical context, with a focus on prayer and a greater weight placed on kavanah (intention of prayer) in relation to kevah (fixed liturgical prayer), and tikkun olam.

Sisterhood Shabbat Study: The Torah — A Women’s CommentaryDebbie Spiegel, Director of EducationSat. Feb. 23, 2008, at 10.30 a.m.Following the Shabbat Service, we will enjoy lunch and study together as we explore the newly published text, The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, edited by Women of Reform Judaism. We will analyze the Torah portion of the week, finding relevant information for our modern world. Pre-registration required. Cost $10. Child care available. For details, please call the Sisterhood hotline (ext. 514), at the Temple.

The Blessing of a Skinned KneeRabbi Yael Splansky and Beth Goldstein, MSW

Wednesdays at 9.15 a.m. Mar. 5 to 26, 2008Join us for a four-week seminar on parenting the Jewish way, based on Dr. Wendy Mogel’s The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, a must read for Jewish parents. The book (to be read before the class begins) is widely available.

Library Book Club: The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael ChabonKen Skolnik, Retired English Teacher and Bibliophile

Tue. Mar. 11, 2008, at 9.30 a.m.Non-members welcome.

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 �

Our New Siddur: A Preview

Rabbi Yael Splansky

Mondays at 7.30 p.m., Feb. 4 to 18, 2008 Every siddur, in every time and place, shares a common form, and is, at the same time, made unique by responding to the moment.

In honour of the Temple’s 150th Anniversary, we are preparing a new prayer book to inspire the spiritual aspirations of the next generation. Join us for a sneak preview and learn the inner logic of how our ancient prayers are structured — themati-cally, theologically and dramatically.

Gateway to the Jewish community | Pre-Schoolby pam hamovitch, Pre-School Principal

there is a growing appreciation across the province and boards of Jewish Education that Jewish early-childhood education serves as

the gateway into the Jewish community, introduces children to Jewish life and creates tomorrow’s Jewish adults. When children participate in innovative and meaningful Jewish early-childhood educational experiences, they and their families create permanent connections to Judaism. Nowhere else can we engage parents so effortlessly as in our Pre-School.

One of our main goals is to not only meet the needs of each child but to nour-ish each soul. Educational environments need to be exciting and stimulating

places of learning, where Jewish values, concepts and some Hebrew language are integrated into state-of-the-art early-childhood curricula.

For most children, our school is their first Jewish experience outside of the home. Thus, the Jewish aspect of the classroom is critical — it informs the child (without words) that Judaism is a vital part of his or her life.

The emphasis at Pre-School is on the ‘doing’ — through play and the satisfac-tion that comes from the process. The program is infused with a variety of specialties such as drama, Sportball, Mad Science and music.

Much of what we do involves helping parents raise children who are decent, responsible and caring, who will make

this world a more just and compassion-ate place.

Doing mitzvot is also an integral part of our days. Twice each year, each kita visits guests at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, where they sing, and bring smiles and flowers for all. This inter- generational program has become a special tradition, and the joy our children bring is immeasurable.

We welcome all of our families to join us throughout the year in various capaci-ties. From baking challah and reading Shabbat stories to planning fundraisers and tzedakah projects, parents play a very important role in the school.

The next time you are in the building, take a moment and be captivated by the sounds and sights of our wonderful Pre-School.

The Jewish World in the 21st Century

Professor Paul Liptz

Sun. Jan. 20, 2008, at 9.30 a.m.Join us for this talk and breakfast.

Paul Liptz is a professor at Tel Aviv University and HUC-JIR, Jerusalem.

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Renewal and engagement | Installation Addressby barry Silver, President of the Congregation

What an amazing time it is [in our Temple’s history], and how privileged I am to be President of this great congregation. I am

filled with a sense of awe, excitement, thanksgiving and optimism. Allow me to explain why.

We, the lay leadership, have been charged with the responsibility of the stewardship of this historic congregation as we continue to move toward our goal of renewal. This journey we are on is not one of sole proprietorship, but rather a col-laborative effort of lay leadership, staff and congregation. During this past year, and now as we continue our journey, this con-gregation has been the beneficiary of an unprecedented commitment of volunteer-ism and lay leadership working together for the generations that will follow.

S t R e N G t h e N i N G O u R S y N a G O G u eThrough the efforts of many people, we have developed and will continue to encourage the various opportunities for dialogue and congregational involve-ment. It is this level of engagement that will help ensure that we will build our house and that we will build and strengthen our own community. Engagement will help strengthen our synagogue, our community and, by extension, the three pillars of our being: Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Chasidim.

As we strengthen ourselves from with-in, Holy Blossom will grow as a desirable and sought-after synagogue, especially as younger families relocate to our main catchment area. For the first time that I know of, we are accepting children of

non-members into our Supplementary School, and we now have 11 non-mem-ber children in our primary grades. This is an outstanding feat, and as we develop a plan to continue to foster this area of outreach, we will work to encourage these parents to become members of our Temple family.

c h i l D R e N a S a M b a S S a D O R SAnd let us not forget about our valued strategic partner, the Leo Baeck Day School. Operating near capacity now, and with the plans for its new school, who among us does not believe that Leo Baeck will be a destination for parents looking to send their children to a Jewish day school, especially people living in this area?

This will continue to be an opportu-nity for engagement and membership. More often than not, children can be the ambassadors who help propel parents into our synagogue.

Ultimately it is up to our Temple lead-ership, senior staff and support staff, and the congregation to help bring any and all families into our congregation and our community. It is everyone’s responsibility to welcome new members to our congre-gation. We need to nurture them — they deserve our support.

R e N e W a lMy optimism is also tied directly to our fundraising success to date, with commit-ments in excess of $13 million from con-gregants who have the ability to donate at the leadership gifts level. While fundrais-ing at this level continues, we have now turned our attention and focus to the lay leadership. Our target for the Temple

and Foundation Board members is 100-per-cent participation. My optimism for our success is further enhanced by the detailed work underway in planning the overall Capital Campaign by our Campaign Co-Chairs, the Foundation office, the professional staff and advisors. I have come to understand and believe in what Rabbi John Moscowitz said to me before I became President — that our congregation is blessed with outstanding human capital. This is absolutely true. We have many congregants who are able and willing to be a vital and active part of this congregation. This augers well for the future of our congregation.

As we continue to work together — congregants, senior staff and an unparalleled group of lay leaders — towards our goal of renewal, engagement infused with new members young and old, adults and children, and a successful Capital Campaign, may we all do so with a sense of awe, excitement, thanksgiving and optimism for our congregation. May we all continue to work together and go from strength to strength as we strive to build this sacred congrega-tion and community, and then we will be able to say with one voice in unison and with great vigour and conviction: ashrei yoshevi veitecha, od yehalelucha selah — happy are those who dwell in Your house: they shall sing your praises forever.

The preceding is an abridged version of Barry Silver’s address to the congre-gation on Sat. Nov. 24, 2007. Please visit our Web site at www.holyblossom.org>Wecome>President’s Message for the complete text of this speech.

Temple Leadership

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 7

Renewal and engagement | Installation Address

Holy Blossom Temple would not be the vibrant and caring institution it is without the dedication of our many volunteers, including those who offer their time and advice as our Board of Directors.

Temple Leadership

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Our 2007/2008 temple board of Directors

Officers: Barry Silver, President; Larry Babins, Vice President; Michael Davis, Financial Secretary; Cary Solomon, Recording Secretary; and Pam Albert, Treasurer

Immediate Past President: Alan Garfinkel

Honourary Directors: David Baskin; Barry Borden; Myer Brody; Henrietta Chesnie; Morris Cooper; Arnold Epstein; Diana Goodman; Elliott Jacobson; Richard R. Krelstein; Richard Lorie; Nancy Ruth; Sheila

Smolkin; Irving Sussman; and Frederick Zemans

Wardens: Harold Emsig; Marilyn Farber; David Hart; Leonard Levy; Mary Seldon; and Morris Vigoda

Director elected for a one-year term: Alberto Quiroz

Directors elected for a two-year term:Gordon Arbess; Bob Cooper; Karen Fisman; Hugh Furneaux; Gillian Helfield; Luke Sklar; and Susan Stronell

Directors who will be completing the second year of a two-year term: Terry Axelrod; David Blinick; Paul Hellen; Melanie Nesbitt; Michael Sherman; and Neri Slan

Department Chairs: Michael Davis, Finance; Sarita Dotan, Worship; Joan Garson, Membership; Tom Friedland, Administration; Michelle Katz, Education; Alison Schwartz, Jewish Living

Left to right: (first row, sitting): Cheryl Zeldin, Debbie Spiegel, Rabbi John Moscowitz, Marilyn Farber, John A. Geller, Barry Silver, Sheila Smolkin and David Hart; (second row) Tom Friedland, Michael Davis, Lindi Rivers, Richard Lorie, Sarita Dotan, Mary Seldon, Larry Babins, Alison Schwartz, Henrietta Chesnie, Neri Slan, Melanie Nesbitt, Gillian Helfield, Lynn Feldman, Nancy Ruth, Cary Solomon, Susan Stronell, Alberto Quiroz, Barry Borden and Rabbi Yael Splansky; (back row) Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, Bob Cooper, Pam Albert, Luke Sklar, Hugh Furneaux, Paul Hellen, Gordon Arbess, Jeff Levy, David Blinick, Elliott Jacobson, Benjamin Applebaum and Rabbi Karen Thomashow.

Our 2007/2008 temple board of Directors

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Meet our new Foundation board membersby Dr. Marvin tile, Chair, Holy Blossom Temple Foundation

i would like to extend heartfelt thanks to outgoing Holy Blossom Temple Foundation Board members Stephen

Posen and Richard Cummings for their time, effort and contribution. I am pleased to introduce the following new directors who have joined our Board this year:

David Feldman is Co-Chair of the Holy Blossom Temple Re-newal Project Capital Campaign. He is on the

Boards of Governors of Mount Sinai Hospital and the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, and is a Director of ProAction Cops and Kids, an organiza-tion that funds police programs for at-risk youth. David is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Camrost Corporation, a Canadian leader in high-rise residential development.

Angela Feldman is Co-Chair of the Holy Blossom Temple Re-newal Project Capital Campaign. She is Vice

President of Felcorp Developments Inc., and is active in fundraising for Mount Sinai Hospital as a Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary. She also sits on the Grand Cru Advisory Board of the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation.

Temple Leadership

Gordon Arbess is a staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and lectures in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Gordon is the Co-Chair of the Temple’s Social Action Committee, and has been active in many areas at Holy Blossom.

Bob Cooper is a middle-school teacher at Upper Canada College. Bob completed the entire 12-year educational

program at Religious School through to Confirmation. He is a third-generation member of the Temple.

introducing our new temple board membersKaren Fisman holds a law degree and MBA from the University of Toronto and, in her life before children, worked

in the financial services sector. Karen is currently a stay-at-home mother who has become increasingly involved as a volunteer at Holy Blossom.

Hugh Furneaux is the President of Ariad Custom Communica-tions. Hugh has been a member of Holy

Blossom Temple since 1983, following his conversion to Judaism, and became Bar Mitzvah in 1996.

Luke Sklar is President and founder of a branding company. Luke has par-ticipated in many Temple committees, including

Board Selection and Membership Con-tribution plan.

Susan Stronell has been a member of Holy Blossom for 30 years, is a past Board of Directors mem-ber and has been involved

in a wide variety of cultural, religious and social action programs at Holy Blossom.

Susan Stronell photograph by ©Linda Charyk Rosenfeld.

Continued on page 9

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 �

Cantors Assembly, the international umbrella organization for Cantors in the Conservative Movement. He was awarded a Doctor of Music, Honoris Causa from JTS in 2002.

Please join us on Shabbat Shira for a weekend of song and study.

Shabbat Shira: cantor in Residenceby cantor benjamin Z. Maissner

the Song of the Red Sea is always chanted on Shabbat Shira in a celebratory man-ner. It has become our tradition to mark this

special Shabbat with an added measure of song.

This year, we are privileged to wel-come Hazzan Henry Rosenblum as our Cantor in Residence for the Shabbat Shira weekend.

Hazzan Rosenblum is the Dean of the H.L. Miller Cantorial School and College of Jewish Music at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), in New York, the first hazzan to hold this posi-tion. He completed his Cantorial studies at the Cantors Institute of JTS where he received the Diploma of Hazzan and a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree; he later returned to serve on the faculty as an instructor of Hazzanut.

| Cantor’s Notes

He has served as hazzan at several synagogues in New Jersey and Illinois, conducted the New Jersey Cantors Concert Ensemble, sang with the Zamir Chorale of New York, served on the board of the American Society for Jewish Music and was President of the

Kabbalat Shabbat Fri. Jan. �8, 2008, at � p.m.Hazzan Rosenblum will participate in our Kabbalat Shabbat Service, offer a D’var Torah and speak at the Shabbat potluck dinner. Cost: adults $12; children 12 and younger $7.50.

Sermon in Song Sat. Jan. ��, 2008, at �0.�0 a.m.Join us for the Service, followed by a lunch and study workshop: “The Art of Cantillation — the Deeper Meaning of the Sacred

Text.” Cost: $15.

To register for either event, please call Mari Lynn Rusak (ext. 224), at the Temple.

Elliott Jacobson is Vice Chair of the Holy Blossom Temple Founda-tion and chairs its Audit Committee. Elliott was President of the

congregation from 1995–1996, and was instrumental in launching the Out of the Cold Program. He is President of the CCRJ, a member of the URJ Board and Executive, sits on the boards of ARZA and Camp George. Elliott is a partner at Mintz & Partners llp.

Earl Lipson, is Trea-surer of the Holy Blossom Temple Foundation, and has been a fundraiser for UJA Federation and for Canadian Friends of

the Hebrew University. Earl is President and CEO of McGregor Industries Inc., a global marketer of socks and sportswear.

Allan Offman, has served as a director on the Holy Blossom Temple Board and is Past Chair of UJA Federation

and Past President of UJA-UIA. Alan is a businessman.

The following is our complete Board: Dr. Marvin Tile, Chair; Larry Babins; Heather Crawford; Michael Diamond; Wendy Eisen; Hershell Ezrin; Angela Feldman; David Feldman; Lloyd Fogler; Alan Garfinkel; Frank Gerstein; Lloyd Hoffer; Elliott Jacobson; Earl Lipson; Rabbi John Moscowitz; Judy Nyman; Allan Offman; Joy Rosen; Lorne Saltman; Dr. Fred Saunders; Michael Shulman; Barry Silver; and Stephen Tile.

Continued from page 8 Meet our new Foundation Board members

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For more information, or to offer to drive participants, please call the Seniors’ hotline (ext. 517), at the Temple.

For more details on Family Programming, please call our hotline (ext. 518), at the Temple. To register for any program or Family Camp, please send an e-mail to familyprogramming@holyblossom.org.

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 ��

thur. Jan. 2� and Sat. Jan. 2�, 2008, at 8 p.m., and Sun. Jan. 27, 2008, at 2.�0 p.m.When Aaron and Michael Schumann discover that their father, Sol, a Holocaust survivor, is accused of being a sadistic kapo in a German labour camp, their quest for the truth leads to disturbing revelations — and tragic consequences.

To order tickets or for more details, please call the Stagecraft hotline (ext. 511), at the Temple.

continued from page 1Our future: Part 2

I can think of no other trend that bodes so well for the future of Holy Blossom. There will be challenges, but I would far prefer to have those challenges — about integration, about honour-ing our past as well as our future, etc. — than not.

Over the next several issues of the Bulletin, Rabbi Moscowitz will spell out his vision on what the future experience of Holy Blossom Temple might best look like. He invites your comments, by e-mail, at jmoscowitz@holyblossom.org.

honouring our volunteers | Bikur Cholimby Rabbi Karen thomashow

“What is the opposite of health? It is not sickness, but rather apathy.” These are the words of Elie Wiesel, as articulated in the

documentary Turn to Me. Produced by the Rabbi Isaac N. Trainin Bikur Cho-lim Coordinating Council of New York City, the film portrays the multi-faceted relationship between visitor and visited.

O u R O b l i G at i O N SWhat Elie Wiesel and the film attempt to show is twofold: that according to Jewish law, we are obligated to visit the sick, and that this commandment does not say you must share specific words, or engage in weighty tasks, or even know how to act in every moment, but rather that you should simply be present.

Members of the Holy Blossom Temple’s Bikur Cholim Committee are well aware of the significance of being present — at the bedside of a hospitalized

patient, in the living room of someone who is homebound, or in the common area of an assisted-living residence or nursing home.

Committee members visit, deliver meals, make calls, give rides and complete many other tasks to help those in need.

In November, the Committee hosted a Volunteer Appreciation and Education Evening, attended by 45 Temple members, which not only honoured volunteers, but served as a general interest meeting to recruit additional members.

The evening featured dinner, a pre-sentation of volunteer opportunities and the screening of Turn to Me, followed by a discussion.

a W a R e N e S S O F t h O S e i N N e e DLast summer, in the process of making calls to congregants regarding the Renewal vote, many of our callers talked with Temple members who were ill,

unbeknownst to the Bikur Cholim Committee and the Holy Blossom clergy. The Bikur Cholim Committee is dedicated to taking significant care of Holy Blossom congregants. If you know someone in our Temple com-munity who needs a visit, ride, meal or just someone to talk to, please call the Bikur Cholim hotline (ext. 521), at the Temple, or call one of the rabbis. Due to privacy laws, we are not always aware when our congregants go to the hospital or are generally in need.

D i v i N e W O R KBikur Cholim is a matter not of apathy at Holy Blossom Temple, but rather of foremost importance, as evidenced by the divine work of the Committee and its volunteers. Yasher koach to the dynamic and compassionate Bikur Cholim Com-mittee: Val Fish, Chair, Susan Chernow, Jill Hertzman, Michelle Lavine, Annalee Schurr and Linda Wolfe.

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healing the world | Social Action Committeeby Gordon arbess, Co-Chair, Social Action Committee

holy blossom temple’s Social Action Commit-tee has spent the last few months brainstorming ideas for projects that represent our mandate

of tikkun olam, to repair the world. The key to our plan is partnership

— working together with other groups in the Temple community and the larger community. We hope to harness all of our respective talents and energies to help make our community and the world a better place. Some of the projects we are working on include:• Working together with Generation

(the Temple’s 20 and 30 somethings group) to help build homes in our local community for Habitat for Humanity (Sun. Apr. 6, 2008);

• Helping our neighbours in the Lawrence Heights area as mentors and tutors;

• Partnering with Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) and other groups in the Parnossah Project, which helps job seekers find employment and employers find suitable employees;

• Continuing education on the issue of HIV/AIDS in Africa;

• Working together with all facets of Holy Blossom, and all generations of our Temple family, to focus on the wisdom and uniqueness of getting older together.

We have assembled a very creative, devoted and hard-working group of Temple members, but are always look-ing for energetic people to help us. We encourage you to get involved in any way you can, and we welcome your feedback and any ideas you may have. If you are interested in getting involved, please call me at (416) 932-2831.

The Out of the Cold program is looking for donations of the following items:

Clothing | Jackets, pants, sweat shirts, sweat pants, shirts, sweaters, boots

and shoes

Toiletries | Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo (hotel size)

Miscellaneous | Backpacks, blankets, towels and sleeping bags

Donations are accepted at the Temple. Please bring items to the Ava Road

Security Desk.

If you can donate or know anyone who can donate any of these items (new or

used), please call the Out of the Cold hotline (ext. 508), at the Temple or

e-mail ootc@holyblossom.org.

Providing some warmth

H o ly B l o S S o m T e m p l e

Judaica ShopThe Judaica Shop carries tallitot, books, mezzuzot, challah covers and knives. And we now have a Bridal Registry! We offer a discount to those who buy your registered items. Our volunteer hours are Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., or make an appointment by calling ext. 234, at the Temple.

If you are interested in becoming a Judaica Shop volunteer, please leave a message on the Sisterhood hotline (ext. 514), at the Temple.

Are you looking for a valuable employee? Or are you searching for a great job? ParnossahWorks Canada.org, a partnership between JVS Toronto and several organizations and synagogues, including Holy Blossom Temple, is designed to meet the employment needs of the Jewish community. For more details, please visit the Web site.

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 ��

book talks — the young america Movement and the transformation of the Democratic partyYonatan Eyal with his book.

learning and cultural enhancementNovember was a busy month at our Gerald Schwartz/Heather Reisman Centre for Jewish Learning at Holy Blossom Temple. From provocative lectures to poetry readings to book talks, the Temple was filled with opportunities for learning and cultural enrichment.

holocaust education Week lecture Michael Marrus spoke on “French Anti-Semitism and Philo-Semitism before Vichy.”

book talks — the Rescuer: the amazing true Story of how One Woman helped Save the Jews of Syria (left to right, front row) Author Harold Troper and the subject of his book, Judy Feld Carr; and (back row) Debbie Spiegel and Rabbi John Moscowitz.

the three poets(left to right) Poets Kenneth Sherman, Adam Sol and Ron Charach.

book talks: turning Grief to Gratitude (left to right) Maurice Green, Debbie Spiegel, Rabbi John Moscowitz, author Rabbi Reuven J. Bulka and Leah Bulka.

treading the path to inner contentmentLecturer Rabbi Yoel Glick (left) and Rabbi Karen Thomashow.

All

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ellen

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Welcome to Our Temple Family

We would like to welcome the following people to our Holy Blossom Temple family:

Zoe Klein & Andrew Zimet, and SashaAviva Lowe & Richard Fridman, and

Adina and DanielJudy SilverbergEllie TesherLisi Tesher & Rob Warwich, and Charly

and Lucas

Mazal Tov

Adam David Durbin, M.D., Ph.D. candidate at University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children on being granted an award in the Novel Therapeutic Interventions category at the Making Connections: A Canadian Cancer Research Conference.

b i R t h S

Karen & Avi Markus on the birth of their son, Lior Danny Markus. Proud grandparents are Charlotte & George Budhazy and Rosalie & Akiva Markus.

Michelle Lynn (Former Holy Blossom Director of Education) & Steven Sachs, on the birth of their daughter, Phoebe Dinah Sachs.

Leslie & Elliot Salmons on the birth of their daughter, Madeline Rachel Salmons, sister to Benjamin Matthew. Proud grandparents are Sharon & Bernie Herman and Louie Salmons. Proud great-grandmother is Anna Flancman.

Lisa Borden & Rob Storm on the birth of their son, Andy Theo Borden Storm, brother to Ryan and Joey. Proud grandparents are Barry & Susan Borden and Martin & Francie Storm. Proud great-grandparents are Pearl Goodman and Harvey Borden.

Zully & Kevin Zeilig on the birth of their daughter, Naomi Shiloh Zeilig, sister to Shira. Proud grandparents are Coco & Marcos Robles and Judy & Lauren Zeilig. Proud great-grandparents are Pearl & Dr. Sidney Fogel.

e N G a G e M e N t S

Marsha & Marty Rothstein on the engagement of their son, Michael Rothstein, to Sarah Silverman, daughter of Maureen and Howard Silverman. Proud grandparents are Irene and Dave Silverman.

We thank our generous donors

� � 0 t h a N N i v e R S a R y F u N D

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Joan Garson & David

Baskin; Nancy Ruth; Francie & Martin Storm;

Cheryl Zeldin

Ruth Smith, In Memory: Linda Wolfe

F lO R a l F u N D

Deena Cincinatus, Bat Mitzvah: Phyllis & Michael

Cincinatus

Elana Cincinatus, Bat Mitzvah: Phyllis & Michael

Cincinatus

Benjamin Grossman, Bar Mitzvah: Lezlie & Stuart

Grossman

Shelby Grossman, Bat Mitzvah: Janine & Allan

Grossman

Jonathan Gordon-Chow, Bar Mitzvah: Denise

Gordon & Dennis Chow

Our Congregational Family

b ’ N e i M i t Z v a h

5 Shevat 5768/Jan. 12, 2008Jesse Lugassy, son of Donna Saslove & Simon Lugassy

12 Shevat 5768/Jan. 19, 2008Benjamin Grossman, son of Lezlie & Stuart Grossman

12 Shevat 5768/Jan. 19, 2008Shelby Grossman, daughter of Janine & Allan Grossman

19 Shevat 5768/Jan. 26, 2008 Jonathan Gordon-Chow, son of Denise Gordon & Dennis Chow

26 Shevat 5768/Feb. 2, 2008Deena Cincinatus, daughter of Phyllis & Michael Cincinatus

26 Shevat 5768/Feb. 2, 2008Elana Cincinatus, daughter of Phyllis & Michael Cincinatus

26 Shevat 5768/Feb. 2, 2008Oscar Crawford-Ritchie, son of Heather Crawford & Lawrence Ritchie

In Memoriam

The congregation sympathizes with the recently bereaved families of:

Joanna Cooper, daughter of Deborah Chesnie Cooper and Daniel Cooper, sister of Neri Slan and David Cooper

Harvey Fryer, father of Toba Fryer, Stephen Fryer and Shawn Fryer, brother of Gerry Fryer

Max Glicksman, husband of Guta Glicksman, father of Harry Glicksman and Lisa Herschorn, brother of Morris Glick

Sybil Gordon, mother of Alan Gordon, Barry Gordon and Barbara Gordon Davis, sister of Leonard Levy

Sam Gotfrid, father of Meg FienbergHarry Grobstein, father of Debra Campbell,

Barbara Lefcoe and John GrobsteinMolka Lyons, mother of Michael Lyons and

Stephen Lyons, sister of Audrey BenskyGrace Soren, wife of Joseph Soren, mother

of Gary Soren, sister of Howard Levin and Murray Levin

Ethel Wasserman, mother of Stephen Wasserman and Natalie Roebuck

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 8 | Te v e t / S h e v a t 5 7 6 8 ��

Oscar Crawford-Ritchie, Bar Mitzvah: Heather

Crawford & Lawrence Ritchie

Jesse Lugassy, Bar Mitzvah: Donna Saslove &

Simon Lugassy

h O ly b lO S S O M t e M p l e F O u N D at i O N

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Wendy & Elliott Eisen;

Randi & Alan Garfinkel; Sybil & Jack Geller; Esther

& Marvin Tile

Cynthia Good & Dan Aronchick, Mazal Tov: Tuesday

Morning Book Group

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Jennifer Drevnig & Ted

Katz; Leslie Drevnig & Ben Rovet; Maxine & Victor

Drevnig; Randi & Alan Garfinkel; Sybil & Jack

Geller; Esther & Cyril Hersh; Daisy & Syd Jacobs;

Esther & Marvin Tile

Sybil Gordon, Speedy Recovery: Mary & Henry Seldon

Pearl Hermant, In Honour: Mary & Henry Seldon

Molka Lyons, In Memory: Belle Grubert; Carol &

Nolan Grubert and Family

Joan Moses, Happy Birthday: Joy & Charles Cohen;

Daisy & Syd Jacobs

Merle Rachlin, Speedy Recovery: Barbara & Fred Kohan

h O ly b lO S S O M t e M p l e R e N e W a l F u N D

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Judy Malkin & Elliott

Jacobson

i S e N b e R G e N D O W M e N t F u N D

Dr. David Eller, Happy Birthday: Carol & Steve Pilon

Helen Steinberg, Happy Birthday: Carol & Steve Pilon

J a c O b ’ S t O W e R F u N D

Etta & Michael Wharton, Mazal Tov: Marilyn Shesko

& David Hertzman

J O a N K e R b e l l e a D e R S h i p

D e v e lO p M e N t F u N D

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Gail & Gary Goodman

Sylvia Goldman, Speedy Recovery: Holy Blossom

Temple Sisterhood

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Gail & Gary Goodman; Holy

Blossom Temple Sisterhood; Sheila & Bob Smolkin

l i b R a R y b O O K F u N D

Phil Eisenberg, In Honour: Dr. Mildred Eisenberg

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Honour: Marlene & Dr.

Robert Ruderman

D O W & F R e D Z i a M a R M u R p R O G R a M F O R

e D u c at i O N S e x c e l l e N c e

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Ellen Karabanow

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Ruth Gelber; Ellen

Karabanow

holy blossom temple Foundation

The Holy Blossom Temple Foundation raises funds to

support Temple activities, programs and projects.

To make a donation to any of our existing funds,

please call Janice Feuer at (416) 789-3291, ext.265.

To establish a new fund or learn more about

philanthropic opportunities, please call Cheryl Zeldin,

Director of Development (ext.260), at the Temple.

We appreciate your support

Holy Blossom Temple appreciates all donations to

our funds; however, due to rising costs, cards will

only be sent for donations of $20 or more. We will

continue to recognize all donations in the Bulletin.

Nine per cent of all donations and investment income

is generally set aside to help with administration

costs and special initiatives.

We apologize but due to space constraints, not all

donations will appear in the Bulletin issue closest to

the date on which the contribution was made. Dona-

tions in this issue were received by Nov. 23, 2007.

M u S i c a l h e R i ta G e c O N c e R t F u N D

Dr. Norman Kerbel, In Memory: Stuart Clapham

Grace Soren, In Memory: Francie & Martin Storm

General: Sharon & Lorne Tarshis

M u S i c a l l e G a c y F u N D

Ned Goodman, Happy Birthday: Gila Humphreys

and Family

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Eleanor & Peter Loebel

O u t O F t h e c O l D F u N D

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Maxine & Harold Minden

Max Glicksman, In Memory: Paul St. Pierre

Frank Godfrey, Yahrzeit: Nonni & Saul Akler; Ricki

& Gil Gallen; Jean Godfrey

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Janice & Larry Babins

Sid Gutnik, In Memory: Larry Babins

Belle Korman, In Memory: Larry Babins

Laurenne Kredentser, Happy Birthday: Zoe Sebastien

Ray Moses, Speedy Recovery: Holy Blossom Temple

Brotherhood

Frank Rebick, In Memory: Jane & Robert Herman

Zoe Springer, Yahrzeit: Judy & Stephen Springer and

Lindsay Springer and Family

General: Karen & Stephen Diamond; Forest Hill Lions

Club; Sharon Garbas; Debbie Gorman-Sadja;

Beverly & Milton Israel; Lauren Israel; Lynda Nadolny

p R O J e c t t i K v a h

Mary & Evan Castel, In Honour: Alice & Ron Charach

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Paula Moshonas; Gail &

Barry Silver

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Gail & Barry Silver

Ellen Sue & David Mesbur, Mazal Tov: Lynne

& Harold Smith and Family

R a b b i S ’ D i S c R e t i O N a R y F u N D S

Rabbi John Moscowitz, In Appreciation: Marilyn

& Chuck Gold

Rabbi Yael Splansky, In Appreciation: Carol & Nolan

Grubert

Rabbi Karen Thomoshow, In Appreciation: Clare &

Monte Denaburg

Rabbi Dow Marmur, In Appreciation: Shoshana Cole

Cantor Benjamin Z. Maissner, In Appreciation:

Jake Belman and Family; Marilyn & Chuck Gold

Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, In Appreciation: Clare

& Monte Denaburg

N a N c y R u t h e D u c at i O N a l F u N D

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Nancy Ruth

lO R R a i N e S a N D l e R t R i b u t e F u N D

Happy Chanukah (many): Lissette Ilgner and Lily Lee

S h a c h a R i t F u N D

Ben Casselman, Yahrzeit: Glenda Mindlin

Pauline Cohen, Yahrzeit: Joy & Charles Cohen

Irvin Cohen, Yahrzeit: Merryl & Hilliard Conway

Anne Conway, Yahrzeit: Merryl & Hilliard Conway

Vernon Dewitt, Yahrzeit: David Dewitt

Edith Feldman, Yahrzeit: Sara Speigel

Karen Goldblatt, Yahrzeit: Barry Goldblatt

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Shelly Berenbaum

Muriel Rothschild, Yahrzeit: Alexis Rothschild &

Shawn Gold

Frank Wolff, Yahrzeit: Alison & Gary Polan

and Family

yO u t h a W a R D S

Joanna Cooper, In Memory: Edith Kirzner

Rabbi Edward Goldfarb, In Honour: Clare & Monte

Denaburg

Sybil Gordon, In Memory: Edith Kirzner

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behind our walls | The Last Wordby Rabbi Karen thomashow

Behind one of the walls in my study is class-room 208, a room that houses Leo Baeck Day School students for the greater part of the day.

Throughout the school week, I am privy to the sounds of discussion, music and play. Last month, I was invited to join the Grade 8 students for a tour of our Temple, and was privileged to partici-pate in discovery, inquiry and contem-plation. The Grade 8 class had toured many Toronto synagogues throughout the fall to learn not only about each building’s history and architecture, but about how each synagogue’s philosophy and ideology is reflected in the history, infrastructure and current mode of ritual and expression.

As the students and I sat in the choir

section of our Sanctuary, I fielded their thoughtful questions about how it is that everything from the height of the bimah to the panels of stained glass that adorn the walls reflect the specific thinking and sensibilities of the time period in which they were created.

i N F R a S t R u c t u R e a N D i D e a l SRecently, ARZA Canada, with the sup-port of several organizations, including the Holy Blossom Temple Israel Com-mittee, concluded a campaign in which $70,000 in seed money was raised to create three new Reform nursery schools in Israel. Thinking about the correlation between infrastructure and ideals, it is important to look at Israel’s Reform Movement’s accomplishments through this exercise, noting that Reform affiliation in Israel increases

exponentially with enrolment in Reform nursery schools in Israel.

Is this not, too, what we at Holy Blossom have been doing for the past six months, in this current working phase of our building project? Our Temple’s various committees are look-ing at the correlation between our Jewish needs and how they will be physically sustained. In one month’s time, in Parashat Terumah, we will read of God’s injunction to the Israelites: “Build me a Tabernacle that I may dwell among them.” In other words, build the struc-ture to suit the religious sensibilities and the intentionality will be both realized and recognized.

How virtuous a task it is to consider what is behind our walls. Thank you to the Leo Baeck eighth graders for mak-ing these walls speak.

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